YOUTH SPORTS 2023 - COACHES MANUAL - CITY OF CARSON - COMMUNITY SERVICES/PARKS AND RECREATION - City of Carson, California
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CITY OF CARSON
2023
YOUTH SPORTS
COACHES MANUAL
COMMUNITY SERVICES/PARKS AND RECREATION
DEPARTMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY 1
VOLUNTEER COACH 1
COACHING REQUIREMENTS 1
SAFETY 2
RELATIONSHIP WITH GAME OFFICIALS 2
RELATIONSHIP WITH SPECTATORS 2
RELATIONSHIP WITH PARENTS 3
RELATIONSHIP WITH CENTER SUPERVISORS 3
RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUTHS 3
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT 5
APPEAL PROCESS 5
SIGN-UPS 5
AGE GROUPS 6
TRY-OUTS 6
DRAFTING OF PLAYERS 7
WAITING LIST 7
DROPPING OR ADDING PLAYERS 8
GENERAL PLAYING RULES 8
TEAMS 9
PRACTICE SCHEDULING 9
EQUIPMENT 9
ORGANIZING PRACTICE SESSIONS 9
GAME SCHEDULING 10
UNIFORMS 10
PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS 10
AWARDS 11
SPORTS DATES 11
OFFICIALS 12
PROTESTS 12
PROTEST COMMITTEE 12
CENTER SUPERVISORS RESPONSIBILITIES IN YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM 13
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH SPORTS (NAYS) 13
NAYS PARENT ORIENTATION & MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM 13
DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES 14
ATTACHMENTS
1. NAYS CODE OF ETHICS FOR COACHES 15
2. COACHES APPEAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION 16
3. PLAYER'S/PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT 17
4. PARK PLAYER RELEASE FORM 18
5. OFFICIAL TEAM ROSTER 19
6. SPORTS EQUIPMENT ISSUE 20
7. OFFICIAL’S EVALUATION FORM FOR COACHES 21
8. COACHES PROTEST REPORT 22DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The Youth Sports Program is designed to provide youths the opportunity to participate in an
organized recreational sports activity.
This program has been established to:
1. Introduce the youth to an athletic experience;
2. Promote values associated with group participation such as teamwork, unity, cooperation and a
sense of belonging;
3. Give youths the opportunity, regardless of ability, to engage in competitive activities and at the
same time have fun;
4. Establish a sense of responsibility to someone other than one’s self.
VOLUNTEER COACH
Volunteer coaches play an important role not only in the sporting life, but also the everyday life, of
the participants they coach. Coaches influence not only the development of sport-specific skills and
sporting performance, but also the participant’s development as a person and their approach to
other aspects of their life. While at times it can be challenging, coaching is a very rewarding
personal experience.
Volunteer coaches contribute a great deal to the community, and beyond this, they gain personal
benefits from their efforts. The benefits derived from being a volunteer coach comes from knowing
that you, as a volunteer, have provided a meaningful service to the youth that live within our
community.
Some of the rewards of being a volunteer coach are:
1. Personal Satisfaction: Assisting youths in developing physically, mentally and emotionally
through their athletic participation can be very gratifying.
2. Satisfaction of Providing Community Service: Extensive recreational programs like those
conducted by the City of Carson often prove to be prohibitive because of cost. Therefore,
volunteer coaches perform an essential community service. They set an example, which other
citizens will emulate.
3. Experience the Satisfaction of Working with People of All Ages: Coaches, of necessity,
associate and work with not only youths, but parents, officials and other volunteer coaches.
4. Community Acceptance and Recognition: Through service to the Youth Sports Program,
volunteer coaches gain stature in the community by being recognized as a person that has
donated time and energy for the enhancement of the Youth Sports Program.
5. Personal Recreation: Through services, volunteer coaches satisfy their own recreational
needs. The more coaches work with youths, the more they find this a meaningful and satisfying
recreation experience.
6. Appreciation of the Role of Athletics in American Life: Through their work, volunteer
coaches develop understanding and appreciation of the role of athletics as an important phase
of the educational process.
The City of Carson Community Services/Parks and Recreation Department considers volunteer
coaching a privilege, and not a right.
COACHING REQUIREMENTS:
Individuals interested in being a volunteer coach must complete an online Volunteer Application.
(https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carsonca). Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Selected applicants will then be required to submit the following:
1. Completed criminal background check prior to the start date (LiveScan Fingerprinting).
2. Successfully pass drug screening.
3. Review Sexual Harassment and Abusive Conduct Policy, Injury & Illness Prevention Policy
1(which includes COVID-19 and safety protocols), and the Mandated Reporter overview.
4. Complete the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) Coaches Certification Program and
the free online Concussion Awareness Course.
5. Sign a “NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches” pledge (see attachment #1).
SAFETY
The safety and well being of the players must be of prime concern, and every precaution should be
taken to prevent an injury to the participant. Facilities should be kept free of hazards, and extreme
care in the use of equipment should be exercised. Any unsafe facilities or equipment should be
reported immediately to the Center Supervisor. Responsibility for providing safe playing facilities for
practices and games rests with the Community Services/Parks and Recreation Department.
RELATIONSHIP WITH GAME OFFICIALS
In many instances, participants and spectators take their cue from the actions of coaches. Displays
of poor sportsmanship by spectators can often be traced directly to the coach. The coach’s
effective leadership and example may avoid such acts. This responsibility should never be
overlooked or forgotten. Officials must be symbols of authority. They are in complete command
and must maintain this position throughout the game.
It must be remembered that officials are not enemies of the team. They are simply responsible for
the proper administration of the contest, in the same manner that coaches are responsible for the
direction of their teams. As any human being in any profession or occupation, officials are fallible,
and mistakes will be made.
Points to remember in Coach/Official relationships:
1. Officials must be treated with respect. Treat officials, as you would wish to be treated. Officials
are expected to treat all volunteers with mutual respect.
2. A decision based on an official’s judgment should not be questioned. In questioning a rule,
officials should be addressed courteously. The case should be explained in a way that does not
jeopardize the role of the officials. Officials are instructed to answer a coach’s question, if
submitted courteously and according to any rules that may apply to the situation.
3. Coaches should remain off the playing field/court unless a time-out is requested to discuss the
situation with the officials.
4. Players should not be permitted to question an official’s decision.
NOTE: Any coach who violates one of these points places him/herself in jeopardy of being
suspended from further coaching activities. Any coach ejected from a game is
automatically suspended from their next scheduled game and is not eligible to coach
any team in any capacity until the suspension is served. This includes playoffs, and if
the game is the last of the season, the suspension will be for the first game in the next sport
season that said coach participates. A suspended coach shall have no contact with his/her
team for the entire duration of the game in which he/she is suspended. At most, the coach
can view the game well removed from the field/court of play, and at the discretion of the
officials, may be asked to leave if he/she violates any of the provisions spelled out above.
Furthermore, if a coach is ejected twice during the same sport season, he or she will
be a suspended from coaching for the duration of the current sports season.
RELATIONSHIP WITH SPECTATORS
Setting a proper example for the spectators is one of the coach’s responsibilities. The basic
philosophy of the Program must be conveyed to spectators by coaches. They must know what the
coaches stand for and what they are attempting to accomplish. Remember that the basic purpose
of the entire Program is for participants to enjoy themselves and to learn the importance of
teamwork, sportsmanship, etc. Spectators often lose sight of this, and it is sometimes necessary
for coaches to meet with parents to remind them of the Program’s purpose. Many times, a word
from the coach to a spectator that is out of line has a better effect than intervention by a Center
Supervisor.
2RELATIONSHIP WITH PARENTS
Volunteer coaches must do everything possible to maintain and develop good working
relationships with parents. This is not always easy. Parents often feel that their children are perfect
and “can do no wrong”. In their eyes, their children are the best on the team. However, volunteer
coaches must always keep in mind the objectives of the Program; the spirit of “team play” must be
emphasized rather than singling out anyone as a star player. Parents will be better supporters if
they understand what you are trying to do. One of the best ways to keep them informed is to hold a
pre-season meeting, at which time the objectives of the Program are described. The success of
your meeting will depend greatly on your approach. Among the topics you should cover are:
1. The philosophy of the Program, and the responsibility players have to the team, coaches, and
to themselves.
2. Your role as leader of the team.
3. The role the parents have in seeing that their children attend all practices and games.
Various jobs needing to be handled may be discussed and volunteers recruited to perform them.
Assistant coaches, scorekeepers, and “Team Moms” may be recruited in this manner.
Parents must realize that they should not interfere with the coaches during games. Shouting
criticisms at a child only embarrasses that child in the eyes of teammates. Furthermore, parents
should not punish their children at home, for mistakes made during a game. Coaches should talk in
private with parents who expect their children to play without mistakes.
Often friendships develop between volunteer coaches and parents, sometimes continuing
throughout the entire year and for years to come. The practice of having family, league or team
potluck dinners, barbecues, picnics and other social events during the season does much to
strengthen the relationships between coaches and parents.
RELATIONSHIP WITH CENTER SUPERVISORS
Any help that you need or any problem that may occur should be discussed with your Center
Supervisor. They are always willing to assist you in any way possible to make your season a
successful one.
NOTE: If a coach has a problem or complaint regarding officials, spectators, or parents, he/she
should present this matter to the Center Supervisor or park staff within two working days.
If the coach does not adhere to the time constraints, the specific problem or complaints
will not be considered for review by the Department.
RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUTHS
The most important relationship a volunteer coach makes is that with his players. The following
thoughts are important to remember:
1. Remember that all members of your team are individuals, and though they possess certain
characteristics common with other children, they are each different in many ways. Successful
coaches must be able to deal with their players as individuals.
2. Too much emphasis by coaches on perfection may lead to a loss of interest among some
players. Children in the early stages of learning need some good examples of fundamental
skills. Once the basics are learned, there is ample time for more technical aspects of the
activity.
3. Consistency in handling children is a great virtue. Inconsistency by adults makes it near to
impossible to establish standards of conduct. Players need to know, with some assurance, the
consequences of their behavior. Best results with children are accomplished by coaches who
display genuine liking and regard for them. Young people respond best to adults who like them,
and are firm, considerate, sympathetic, and respect the dignity of each individual.
4. Scolding, sarcasm, nagging, taking away privileges, and restricting a youth’s behavior often
intensifies the very conditions, which give rise to a problem. Humiliating children in front of
3others is especially harmful. The practice of having a player run laps is inadvisable, as it
reinforces a negative attitude toward running and conditioning. Isolating a player from the group
is a more recommended form of punishment. Isolation is an effective form of punishment as it
denies the child the right to be active, a fate dreaded by any athlete.
5. Children and youths readily agree that the coaches who helped them most are kind, considerate,
cooperative, democratic, patient, and respect their opinions. Coaches who are rigid, quarrelsome
and commanding tend to increase conflicts and misunderstandings.
6. Children are not small adults and do not feel, think, or react as adults do. Volunteer coaches
must accept, without too much concern, behavior, which seems foolish, strange, unreasonable,
or immature. Children will often blow off steam by being defiant, sassy, irresponsible, or
unstable. They should not be expected to conform to adult standards of behavior, nor should
they be expected to acquire all the adult virtues at an early age.
7. Careful study of actions requiring some form of discipline should be made. Team rules are
helpful, such as “being on time for practice”, proper care of equipment, etc. Coaches must use
good judgment in selecting the items of behavior upon which they draw the line. Children
cannot disregard rules of conduct. A small number of essential rules and expectations should
be selected for discussion and the player should be made to realize that violations might result
in punishment.
8. Coaches must make practice sessions as interesting and appealing as possible. “All work and
no play” is not natural for children. When practice periods become drudgery, enthusiasm and
interest wanes.
9. Volunteer coaches should insist upon players’ proper attitudes toward games; players should treat
officials with respect; refrain from debating decisions and should be encouraged not to voice
disagreement. It is inappropriate for players to engage in discussion with spectators during the
game. The relationship with opposing teams should be one of mutual respect and esteem.
Players that continually argue with officials should be removed from the game and their
misconduct discussed after the game.
10. There is more to coaching an athletic team than just developing a high level of playing ability.
Children can become better persons and learn valuable lessons in getting along with others.
Some of the positive qualities of personality and character, which can be acquired in sports, are
ultimately of much more value than the technical aspects of the sport. Consequently, volunteer
coaches should constantly be alert to opportunities, which may help youths to develop
desirable habits and attitudes.
WHEN WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES:
• Let the children take the initiative whenever possible.
• Avoid interrupting a child’s activity. Encourage them to finish what they are doing.
• Be generous in giving deserved praise.
• Listen carefully when a child has something to tell you.
• Laugh with the child, not at them.
• Use positive suggestions. Avoid “don’ts” and “no’s.”
• Talk with other adults only when necessary.
• Discuss the children with other adults only in conferences, never in front of the children.
• Ask permission to help, do not automatically assume that someone may need assistance.
• Remember that each child is unique.
In conclusion, the concerns of successful volunteer coaches should not be the win-loss record of
their team. Rather, successful coaches are those who affect the behavior of players in a positive
way and have taught the most valuable lessons. Success depends on the social and moral
lessons, which the players have acquired. “POOR COACHES ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN
WINNING GAMES”. Good coaches are interested in winning games, but they also strive to have
their players come out of the athletic experience as better persons. A coach should not sacrifice
team rules, or the spirit of fair play, just to win a game.
4COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
Coaches are expected to adhere to the department’s philosophy, which is mentioned in the
beginning of this manual and sign the NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches (see attachment #1).
They are also expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct.
1. Coaches shall not, at any time, lay a hand upon, shove, strike, or threaten to strike an official.
2. Coaches shall abide by the official’s decisions or by the City of Carson Community
Services/Parks and Recreation Department Rules and Regulations.
3. Coaches shall not knowingly play ineligible players.
4. Coaches shall not teach unnecessary rough tactics against opposing players.
5. Coaches shall not use profane, obscene, or vulgar language towards players, officials, or spectators.
6. Coaches shall not appear on the field of play or practice in an intoxicated condition.
Any coach violating the Department’s philosophy, Code of Ethics and/or Code of Conduct
may be suspended from coaching for an indefinite period of time and/or could result in
permanent removal from the Youth Sports Program. This decision will be rendered by the
Parks and Recreation Department staff after reviewing all pertinent information.
Again, if a coach is ejected twice during the same sports season, he or she will be
suspended for the duration of the current sports season.
APPEAL PROCESS
1. If a coach wishes to appeal any disciplinary action that has been taken, a “Coach’s Appeal of
Disciplinary Action” form (see attachment #2) must be submitted to the office of the Director
of Community Services within 24 hours of the disciplinary action.
2. The Director of Community Services/Parks & Recreation will schedule a meeting with the
coach, Recreation Superintendent, Recreation Program Manager, Youth Sports Coordinator
and the Center Supervisor involved.
3. The Director has the final authority in the matter and the rendered decision cannot be
appealed.
SIGN-UPS
Registration is now conducted online by ActiveNet, the City’s new Online Registration/Reservation
System (https://cutt.ly/OnlineReg). Sign-Up fees cover registration, uniform and a basic
picture/trophy package. The Sign-Up fees for the 2023 sports seasons are as follows:
RESIDENT:
Basketball $65 per child registered
Baseball/Softball $100 per child registered
T-Ball $90 per child registered
Flag Football $85 per child registered
Soccer $75 per child registered
Girl’s Fall Softball $100 per child registered
NON-RESIDENT:
Basketball $133 per child registered
Baseball/Softball $143 per child registered
T-Ball $133 per child registered
Flag Football $118 per child registered
Soccer $108 per child registered
Girl’s Fall Softball $143 per child registered
NOTE: For those placed on teams after the start of the season, the Sign-Up fees will be prorated
based on the amount of play time remaining in the current season.
Proof of birth date must be presented when submitting the registration card. An original
birth certificate is the only proof of birth accepted as verification of age. After registering at a
5specific park, a child may not register at any other City of Carson Park during the same sports
season. The only exception to this will be if the child changes residence or if there are not enough
players to make a full team at the park of original registration.
AGE GROUPS
Clinic Divisions (Co-ed) Year Born
Sandlot 2017-2018
Rookie 2015-2016
Boy’s Divisions Year Born Girl’s Divisions Year Born
1A 2013-2014 1A 2013-2014
2A 2011-2012 2A 2011-2012
3A 2009-2010 3A 2008-2010
4A 2006-2008 4A 2006-2007
Age classification is based on the year the participant was born. Participants must sign up for each
sport separately. After registering, participants will be told when and where try-outs are to take place.
Youth participating in a sports league sanctioned by the California Interscholastic Federation (C.I.F.)
are ineligible to concurrently play for a City of Carson Community Services/Parks and Recreation
Department team participating in the same sport (i.e., high school softball-girl’s softball, high school
football-flag football). If said youth has stopped playing on a C.I.F. team prior to tryouts for the
department’s league, he/she is eligible to go through the tryout and drafting procedure. If said
youth has not stopped playing on a C.I.F. team as of the tryout date, he/she will not be eligible to
go through the tryout and drafting procedure but is eligible to be added to a team once he/she has
stopped playing for the C.I.F. team provided the department’s team qualifies for adding a player as
described on page 8 under the heading “Waiting List”.
TRY-OUTS
The success of any league depends upon evenly matched teams. In order to classify the ability of
players, and to assure that one team will not comprise all the best players in the league, measures
have been devised to test players’ abilities.
All players will be assigned a try-out number, which will be their identification for draft purposes.
Participants not able to attend try-outs must have their parents contact the park staff prior to the
tryout.
Anyone not excused, but missing the tryout, will be placed on the waiting list. All coaches present
at try-outs will be provided with the list of registered players and their corresponding numbers.
Coaches will be notified at the time of try-outs if any players have been excused.
Coaches will grade players separately as they perform the following in (this is only a suggestive
guideline):
Baseball/Softball:
1. Field a ground ball and throw to first base.
2. Pitch twice.
3. Hit pitched ball. Maximum: 3 swings.
4. Run from home to 2nd base.
Flag Football:
1. Pass.
2. Receive
3. Punt.
Basketball:
1. Dribble in and attempt a lay-up.
2. Shoot a foul shot.
63. Dribble and attempt a 10-foot jump shot.
Soccer:
1. Dribble through cones.
2. Head a ball for accuracy and distance.
3. Dribble and kick a ball for a goal.
DRAFTING OF PLAYERS
A player’s draft will be completed during the first week after tryouts.
The following is the drafting procedure:
1. Following the try-outs, each player will be rated by all the coaches for that division, along with
the Center Supervisor or appointed assistant, and assigned a rating from one through five, with
five being the highest. If there is an appreciable discrepancy among the raters, the Center
Supervisor shall decide the final rating. Each team may have a head coach and one assistant
coach present during the rating session.
2. Recreation Center Supervisors will construct teams using a “blind” draft. Each team will be
randomly assigned players beginning with those rated “five”, then “four”, “three”, “two”, and
“one” following the drawn draft order. Any players allowed to be “frozen” will be assigned as the
team’s pick when like-rated players are first being assigned.
3. The drafting order is drawn at random, and players will be assigned using a “snaking” method,
where the order reverses in even rounds.
4. A head coach is only able to “freeze” his/her child(ren), grandchild(ren), or a child(ren) for
which the coach has legal custody. The same is true for a maximum of one assistant coach.
5. Siblings will automatically be placed on the same team unless their parents specifically indicate
that it is permissible to have them on separate teams. The lower rated sibling will be assigned
to the same team as the team’s pick when like-rated players are first being assigned.
6. When possible, excused absent players will be rated prior to the draft. If not enough is known
about a player to be rated adequately, the player will be assigned to a team randomly during
the last round(s) of the draft with the lowest rated players.
7. Unexcused absent players may be put on a waiting list or assigned to balance all rosters
numerically in a manner as stated in #6 above.
8. The trading of players will not be allowed except in the case of a head coach volunteering after
the conclusion of the draft. If the child(ren) of the coach is/are assigned to a different team, a
player(s) of the same rating will be randomly assigned to compensate for the transfer of the
child(ren) to the team of the new coach.
9. Only when a team loses a first-round draft choice, prior to the first league game, a player of the
coach’s choice will be allowed to be added to the team from the waiting list. The waiting list
players are those already on the list the same day a “Park Player Release Form” (see
attachment #4) has been submitted.
10. A player may play in a division that is one level above his or her actual age group. The player’s
parents and the Center Supervisor must approve such advancement as the player will not be
allowed to return to the lower division during that sport season.
11. Players in their first year of the 1A age group may be allowed to compete in a lower age division.
12. Coaches will be given a copy of the roster listing all players that were drafted onto that team.
At the conclusion of the draft, the Center Supervisor will hand out “Official Team Roster” forms (see
attachment #5), which must be filled out completely, including the requested coach’s information.
WAITING LIST
Center Supervisors will mark the date and time registration cards were received. The waiting list
7has several purposes and enables coaches to maintain full rosters in the event a child moves, is
injured, or is dropped for disciplinary reasons.
The waiting list is made of those children that missed try-outs or signed up after the try-out date. It
is not designed to be a storage bank for coaches that wish to add or drop at will. Misuse of the
waiting list by a coach may result in his or her dismissal.
Coaches needing a player must submit a “Park Player Release Form” (see attachment #4) to the
Center Supervisor. The Center Supervisor will then determine the validity of the add or drop.
Selection of players to fill any vacancies made by a drop will be made by lottery and drawn by the
Center Supervisor. The lottery will consist of assigning numbers to player’s names, with the Center
Supervisor or Assistant Center Supervisor drawing the numbers from a hat or container.
A player may register to play at one park only. At the players’ request, his or her name may be
placed on the waiting lists at other facilities as well.
Those missing try-outs are eligible for teams before late sign-ups. Once the teams are selected, a
minimum of four (4) names must be on the waiting list before assignments are made.
A coach can, and must, add players off the waiting list (when four or more names are present) up
to the roster size established at the start of the season. An exception to this rule occurs when any
team reaches below the minimum requirement of players for a roster. Coaches may then contact
the Center Supervisor and draw enough players to fill the minimum roster requirement by lottery,
even if there are less than four names on the waiting list.
Exceptions to the above rule will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by
the Recreation Program Manager.
DROPPING OR ADDING PLAYERS
Dropping or adding players shall not be done at will. Coaches wishing to drop players must fill out
a “Park Player Release Form” and submit it to their Center Supervisor, who will then call the
player’s home to verify the situation. Only if done properly and with good cause will coaches be
able to replace dropped players with players on the waiting list. The Center Supervisor will then
assign replacements once the drop has been confirmed.
GENERAL PLAYING RULES
1. All players must be listed on the “Official Team Roster” form (see attachment #5), which must
be on file in the park office before taking part in a league game.
2. After being assigned to a team, players may not re-register at another park. The only exception
will be if a player changes residence.
3. Coaches playing ineligible players will forfeit all games in which the players played. This decision
will be rendered by the Youth Sports Section after all pertinent information has been reviewed.
NOTE: Questions regarding the eligibility of players do not need to be made in written protest
form and may be raised verbally at any time by a coach to his/her Center Supervisor.
4. Coaches not playing the required substitutes will forfeit the game. Questions regarding
participation of substitutes must be lodged by opposing coaches no later than one hour after
the conclusion of the game. The same rules regarding participation apply to playoffs.
5. Coaches may discipline a player by suspending them from a game but must do so through the
Center Supervisor. The head official for that game must also be notified prior to the start of the
game, and it must be noted on the scorecard that the player is out for disciplinary reasons.
6. Coaches willfully failing to contact certain players or taking other actions to prevent any player
from participating will forfeit affected games and be subject to suspension.
7. Injured or ill players in good standing may be substituted by a player who has already played.
Players ejected from the game after substitutions have been made may also be replaced by a
8player who has already played. Soccer teams must play short-handed if a player is ejected.
TEAMS
The number of teams will be based upon the number of sign-ups. It is imperative to remember the
premise of the program: “Whenever possible, the Community Services/Parks and Recreation
Department will attempt to afford each registrant the possibility of participating in the sports
season.”
The number of players per roster varies according to the sport. On a case-by-case basis, prior to
the start of the season, the Recreation Program Manager may allow teams to have more than the
maximum number of players drafted onto a team.
The following is a guideline:
Baseball/Softball, Minimum – 11
Fall Softball Maximum – 15
Basketball Minimum – 7
Maximum – 10
Flag Football, Minimum – 10
Soccer Maximum – 15
In a division with only three teams following the draft date, a group of players may be allowed to
enter, as a complete team, in order to gain a fourth team necessary to maintain a league.
However, the late entering team will be ineligible for playoff competition.
PRACTICE SCHEDULING
Practices should be scheduled with Center Supervisors. Be sure that reservations have been
made for the facilities for a specific date and time. Since there are a large number of teams,
practices must be on a reservation basis. The Community Services/Parks and Recreation
Department will attempt to provide each team with a minimum of one (1) hour per week of practice
time beyond the scheduled league games. Coaches will not be allowed to practice their team until
the completion of the City Championship finals of the preceding sport.
EQUIPMENT
Some equipment will be made available for the parks to distribute to their coaches prior to the start
of the season by the Community Services/Parks and Recreation Department. The parks will issue
this equipment at a time specified by the Center Supervisor. During issue, coaches must fill out a
“Sports Equipment Issue” form (see attachment #6); the coach will retain the white copy of the
form. Coaches and players are expected to care for the equipment they have been issued (i.e.
avoiding dragging the duffel bag, throwing helmets) realizing that this equipment is intended for
future use and must be returned.
The park will designate a specific time for the return of equipment. At that time, the coach must
account for all equipment issued. So that all equipment is accounted for, broken bats, cracked
helmets, etc., should be returned as well. Coaches will be responsible for financial
reimbursement to the City of Carson for losses not accounted for.
ORGANIZING PRACTICE SESSIONS
Coaches should have a plan and know what they intend to do during practices. Early workouts
should be devoted to placing youths in proper formations and physical conditioning. Coaches can
work on particular skills or plays later. Follow a time schedule for each workout.
The following is an outline of a practice session:
10 minutes - Warm Up (running, stretching, exercises, etc.)
10 minutes - Review Session (what was learned last practice and what will be covered
9this practice)
15 minutes - Skill Session (instruct and practice new skill)
20 minutes - Intra-Squad Scrimmage
5-10 minutes - Conditioning (running for speed and endurance)
GAME SCHEDULING
The scheduling of games is the responsibility of both the Center Supervisors and the Youth Sports
Coordinator. Schedules will be in accordance with the number of teams drafted, facilities available
for use, and length of season.
UNIFORMS
Center Supervisors, volunteer associations, and individual coaches are encouraged to find
sponsors for the Youth Sports Program at their respective facilities.
The Community Services/Parks and Recreation Department’s philosophy is to have each individual
team uniformly attired.
Numbered Jerseys/shirts of the same color are required of each member on a participating team in
league play. Players must wear the same jersey number in each game played within a particular
sport season. Dyed or non-dyed T-shirts with numbers are acceptable as jerseys.
Baseball and Softball
1. Numbered Jerseys/Shirts and caps must be worn.
2. Full uniforms are optional.
3. Multi-purpose shoes with molded rubber cleats are acceptable.
4. Metal or screw on type cleats are prohibited.
5. Boys playing baseball are required to wear a protective cup.
Basketball
1. Numbered Jerseys/Shirt and shorts must be worn.
2. Full uniforms are optional.
3. Tennis or basketball shoes must be worn.
Flag Football and Soccer
1. Numbered Jerseys/Shirt and shorts must be worn.
2. Full uniforms are optional.
3. Multi-purpose shoes with molded rubber cleats are acceptable.
4. Metal or screw on type cleats are prohibited.
5. No hard surface padding such as shoulder pads, hip pads, rib pads, or helmets may be worn.
6. Shin guards are required for soccer players in all divisions and must be worn at all times.
PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
1. Single League Division
If there is a single league in any age division, the regular season first place team will be declared
City Champion. In some instances, the schedule may denote some system (i.e., requiring the
winners of respective divisions to meet in a playoff), whereby playoff games may be necessary in a
single league division.
If there is a tie for first place at the conclusion of the regular season, a one game tie-breaker may
be held to determine the City Champion, when time permits. If there is not sufficient time available
for the one game tie-breaker, the best record, head-to-head between the teams involved will
decide. If a head-to-head does not determine the City Champion, a coin flip will decide.
2. Multi-League Divisions
In divisions containing more than one league, the top two finishers, with the highest win/loss
10percentage in each league will be eligible to compete in the City Championship playoffs for that
division.
In addition to the two top finishers in each division, “Wild Card” berths will be awarded based on
the number of leagues in the division, and the number of teams needed to make even playoff
brackets. The breakdown will be as follows:
1 League - No Wild Card Teams
2 Leagues - 2 Wild Card Teams
3 Leagues - 2 Wild Card Teams
4 Leagues - 4 Wild Card Teams
5 Leagues - 6 Wild Card Teams
6 Leagues - 4 Wild Card Teams
In the case of regular season ties, when time permits, a one game tie-breaker may be held prior to
the City playoffs to determine league representatives eligible to compete in the City
Championships for that division. Ties for wild cards will be decided by a coin toss.
If there is not sufficient time available for the one game tie-breaker prior to the City playoffs, the
best record, head-to-head between the teams involved will decide. If a head-to-head does not
determine the league representatives, a coin flip will decide. In the event of a three-way tie, a blind
draw will be used to determine positioning in the playoff brackets for the first and second place
teams. The third-place team, depending on its final win/loss percentage, may be eligible for a wild
card berth.
If a six or more-team league contains a minimum of four teams from a single park, at least one
team, out of the four from the same park, must be represented in the City Championship Playoffs.
In the event one of the four teams does not qualify for a playoff spot (not even as a wild card), an
additional playoff spot will be added to the brackets. Of the four teams, the team with the highest
win/loss percentage will be placed in that additional playoff spot. This applies only to leagues with
the specific number of teams stated above.
Once playoff games have begun there will be no changes made to the printed schedule (this
includes the detection of any errors in seeding, match-ups or final standings), with the
exception of typographical errors.
If there is a protest during a City Championship playoff game, the decision will be rendered on the
site by a Center Supervisor or the Youth Sports Coordinator. In the absence of both, the highest-
ranking staff member present at the time will handle all protests. The protest must be made
verbally to the head referee, stating the Rule #, Section and/or Article that governs the rule
interpretation in question.
AWARDS
Every youth and coach that participates in season play will receive an award. City Championship
participants will receive awards for the first place and second place teams.
The City recognizes, at the conclusion of each season, the contribution to the program of players
and volunteers. An awards ceremony is held at a City facility under the auspices of the Community
Services/Parks and Recreation Department.
SPORTS DATES
BASKETBALL
Last Day to Sign-up - 1st Saturday in December (December 3, 2022)
Try-outs - 2nd Saturday in December (December 10, 2022)
Season Begins - 4th Saturday after Try-outs (January 7, 2023)
City Championships Begin - 9th Saturday from the start of the season (March 11, 2023)
11Season Ends - 10th Saturday from the start of the season (March 18, 2023)
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
Last Day to Sign-up - 1st Saturday in April (April 1, 2023)
Try-outs - 2nd Saturday in April (April 8, 2023)
Season Begins - 4th Saturday after Try-outs (May 6, 2023)
City Championships Begin - 10th Saturday from the start of the season (July 15, 2023)
Season Ends - 11th Saturday from the start of the season (July 22, 2023)
FLAG FOOTBALL/SOCCER/GIRL’S FALL SOFTBALL
Last Day to Sign-up - 1st Saturday in September (September 2, 2023)
Try-outs - 2nd Saturday in September (September 9, 2023)
Season Begins - 3rd Saturday after Try-outs (September 30, 2023)
City Championships Begin - 8th Saturday from the start of the season (November 25, 2023)
Season Ends - 9th Saturday from the start of the season (December 2, 2023)
OFFICIALS
The Youth Sports Program utilizes contracted sports officials for all upper division games (1A-4A)
in each sport.
Coaches are encouraged to complete an “Official’s Evaluation Form For Coaches” (see
attachment #7) at the end of each game to express any concerns or comments they have
regarding the officiating. This form is available to coaches at each game from the park staff in
attendance or it may be obtained from the Center Supervisor in the park office.
PROTESTS
Protests will be allowed but must be submitted as outlined in the rules of the specific sport. The
protesting team must submit a written protest and a $25.00 (check or money order) protest fee,
which will be refunded if the protest is upheld. If the protest is denied, the fee will be placed in a
sport account to enhance citywide sports activities.
ALL protests must be submitted in writing on the “Coaches Protest Report” form (see
attachment #8) and submitted to the Center Supervisor within 24 hours of the game in which the
protested decision occurred. The written protest shall contain the date, time, and location of the
game, along with the Rule #, Section or Article of the official rules under which the protest is being
made. The decision made by the referee and all other essential facts involved with the matter
protested shall also be included. The Center Supervisor will review all protests and submit the
written report to the Youth Sports Coordinator.
PROTEST COMMITTEE
A Protest Committee shall rule on all written protests that have been submitted for consideration.
1. The Protest Committee shall consist of the Center Supervisor or League Commissioner of the
teams involved; the Youth Sports Coordinator and Recreation Program Manager.
2. All officials from the contested game shall be contacted.
3. The decision of the Committee shall be based only upon the actual game card or scoresheet,
rules, and other pertinent information. It will not be based on emotional pleas or history of
participants. The decision of the Committee shall be final.
4. The use of video or other electronic devices will not be allowed as evidence in a protest, nor
shall it be used by a sports official in an attempt to render a decision.
5. Protests that do not contain all the necessary information to determine a ruling, or have been
found inconclusive by the protest committee, will be subject to a final ruling by the Recreation
12Program Manager.
CENTER SUPERVISORS RESPONSIBILITIES IN YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
Assistance with solving any problems in the program should be discussed with the Center
Supervisors. They are always ready to assist in making the season a success. They will be
directly responsible for the following administrative duties:
1. Conducting sign-ups at parks.
A. Taking registration.
B. Maintaining records.
C. Conducting try-outs and drafts.
2. Issuing of practice times and maintaining accurate records to insure adequate space for teams.
3. Issuing of team equipment to the coaches.
4. Coordinating game schedules with other parks and the Youth Sports Coordinator.
5. Ensuring that team uniforms are ordered and delivered in a timely manner.
6. Maintaining team rosters, waiting lists, and record of players’ absences.
7. Issuing of equipment for games.
8. Insuring fields are properly maintained and ready for play by scheduled game times.
9. Insuring adequate supplies of the necessary game equipment are on hand at their facility.
10. Making sure officials perform duties properly.
11. Directly supervising games at their facilities to ensure proper conduct by all involved.
12. Reporting the correct outcome of all youth games played at their facilities to the Youth Sports
Coordinator.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH SPORTS (NAYS):
NAYS Coach Training & Membership Program, formerly the National Youth Sports Coaches
Association or NYSCA, is the most widely used coach training program in the nation, NAYS Coach
Training is available online for coaches to complete at their convenience; and it’s also offered on-
site at most City parks.
Upon full completion of the NYSAA Online Coaches Clinic members will receive:
• A one year membership with a high quality membership card;
• $1,000,000 General Liability Insurance with a $1,000,000 general aggregate (total limit).
• Access to member-only coaching resources and supplemental coach trainings;
• Monthly E-Newsletter
• Exclusive Corporate Discount Programs on everyday services like car rentals, hotels and
more.
NAYS PARENT ORIENTATION & MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
NAYS Parent Orientation & Membership Program is an education and membership program that
supports youth sports parents while helping youth sports organizations eradicate parent
issues. NAYS Parent Orientation has set a standard for parent orientation programs by providing a
video-based training which offers a simple, effective way to make youth sports parents aware of
their roles and responsibilities, as well as ways they can make their child’s experience more
enjoyable and positive.
13DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Help the City of Carson respond to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making
parks and recreation programs and facilities more accessible. If you experience any
problems or difficulties in using facilities or programs, please submit your concerns or
suggestions for improvements in writing to:
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks and Recreation Department
Attention: Michael Whittaker Jr., Director of Community Services
18601 S. Main Street, Carson, CA 90248
or call (310) 847-3571
14(attachment #1)
NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches
I hereby pledge to live up to my certification as a NAYS Coach by following the
NAYS Code of Ethics for Coaches:
• I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a
personal desire to win.
• I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of
emotional and physical development for the same age group.
• I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
• I promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat
injuries of my players.
• I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my
players.
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my
players.
• I will not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates
league rules.
• I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco,
and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach
these rules to my players.
• I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills that I
teach.
• I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for
children and not adults.
__________________________ ________________
Coach Signature Date
15(attachment #2)
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks & Recreation Department
Youth Sports Section
Coaches Appeal of Disciplinary Action
Date _________________________________
Coaches Name _______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________ State ________________ Zip ___________
Home Phone __________________________ Business Phone ______________________
Team Name __________________________ Division _____________________________
Park ________________________________ Date of Incident _______________________
Reason For Appeal ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
For Department Use Only:
Hearing Date Set For______________________At _________AM/PM
Appeal: Approved ( ) Denied ( )
Date ____________________
16(attachment #3) 17
(attachment #4)
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks & Recreation Department
Youth Sports Section
Park Player Release Form
Date_______________________ Park___________________________
Player’s Name ________________________________ Phone Number___________________
Address __________________________________ City/Zip Code ________________________
Birthdate Sport _ _ Division __________
Coaches Name ________________________________ Team Name_____________________
Reason for Adding/Dropping player: _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
For Department Use Only:
Add ( ) Drop ( )
Comments:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Received By: __________________________ Date: ____________________
18(attachment #5) 19
(attachment #6)
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks & Recreation Department
Youth Sports Section
Sports Equipment Issue
PLEASE PRINT
Team Information: Coaches Information:
Park: Name:
Division: Address:
Team
Name: Phone:
BASEBALL BASKETBALL
No. of Bats Issued _________________ # of Basketballs Issued
Size’s ___________________________ ___________
No. of Batting Helmets Issued ________ Size/Model #’s _____________
Size’s ___________________________
Catcher’s Helmet ____________
Size __________________ FOOTBALL
Catcher’s Mask _____________ # of Footballs Issued
Size __________________ ___________
Chest Protector _____________ Size/Model #’s _____________
Size/Model # ___________
Leg Guards ________________
Size/Model # ___________ SOCCER
Baseballs/Softballs __________ # of Soccer Balls Issued
Equipment Bag _____________ ___________
Batting Tee ________________ Size/Model #’s _____________
Throw Bases _______________
I understand and agree that I am fully responsible for making restitution to the
City of Carson for any of the above noted items not returned by me at the
season’s end. Equipment checked out this day of ______________
20_____.
Coaches Signature Print Name
20(attachment #7)
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks & Recreation Department
Youth Sports Section
Official’s Evaluation Form For Coaches
Important: The City values your input regarding the performance of our Youth Sports Officials. We
intend to use this input, in part, to aid in re-evaluating and re-ranking officials during the season and
for the next season. However, please do not expect that your comments will directly change an
official’s ranking or future assignments. Please understand that your opinions can be used as
advisory only. Thank you for your support.
*********************************************************************************************
COACHES NAME _____________________________________ DATE ___________________
GAME LOCATION ______________________ GAME TIME _________ DIVISION _________
OFFICIAL’S NAMES _____________________________&_____________________________
Please rate official’s in each of the following categories, using the following scale: 1 through 10
(1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest ranking).
HEAD OFFICIAL 2ND OFFICIAL
RATING RATING
ATTITUDE
________ Professionalism, general demeanor during game ________
KNOWLEDGE OF RULES
________ General. Rules applicable to particular division ________
CONTROL OF GAME
________ Ability to control players, coaches & spectators ________
APPEARANCE
________ Appropriate uniform, neatness & professional appearance ________
SIGNALS
________ Clarity, distinctness of signals/calls ________
COMMENTS
21(attachment #8)
City of Carson
Community Services/Parks & Recreation Department
Youth Sports Section
Coaches Protest Report
This report will not be considered unless received with a $25.00 protest fee and postmarked or in the hands
of the Recreation Center Supervisor or Youth Sports Coordinator no more than 24 hours after the completion
of the game in question.
Protests must involve the interpretation or application of a playing rule. Protests based solely on the
accuracy or judgment of an official will not be considered. Highly technical protests or those which could have
little or no effect on subsequent play or the final result of the game shall not be considered.
Date of game: . Location of game: Division: .
Time of game: . Name of team the protest is against: .
This protest is based on the misinterpretation of the following rule/rules:
Rule number ( ), Section number ( ), Article number ( ), Page number ( )
Rule number ( ), Section number ( ), Article number ( ), Page number ( )
Circumstances surrounding the incident on which I base this protest are as follows:
Coaches Signature Team Name & Division
Date
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